So, what exactly
is dry eye?

Explore each section to gain a basic understanding of eye dryness, the symptoms, the causes and treatment options.

THE TEAR FILM AND HOW IT PROTECTS OUR TEARS

Tears are important to the overall health of our eyes and our vision. Each time we blink, a protective coating of tears is spread like a film over the front of our eye. If we don’t blink often enough, dry spots can develop on the surface of the eye and can cause our vision to decrease. Thus, our tear film serves four important purposes:

  1. Protects and lubricates the eyes
  2. Reduces the risk of eye infection
  3. Washes away foreign particles
  4. Keeps the surface of the eyes smooth and clear

When our tear film becomes unstable, symptoms of Dry Eye can occur. 

OUR TEAR FILM HAS THREE LAYERS.

Our tear film is made up of three layers – an oil (lipid) layer, a water (aqueous) layer and a mucin layer. These three layers work together to help maintain the health of our eyes and ward off infection.
 
When any part of the tear film isn’t functioning properly, you may start to experience one or more Dry Eye symptoms.

Tear Film Layers

OIL (LIPID) LAYER: 
The outer layer of our tear film is an oil or lipid-based layer. Its main purpose is to seal the tear film which helps reduce evaporation of our natural tears.
 
WATER (AQUEOUS) LAYER: 
The middle layer is mostly comprised of water. Its job is to lubricate the eye, wash away particles and prevent infection.
  
MUCIN LAYER: 
The inner layer is the mucin layer. The mucin layer allows the watery layer to spread evenly over the surface of the eye and helps the eye remain moist and lubricated. It also provides the underlying cornea with nourishment. This layer helps the tears stick to the surface of the eye.
 
REFRESH OPTIVE MEGA-3® AND REFRESH OPTIVE® ADVANCED LUBRICANT EYE DROPS WORK ON ALL THREE LAYERS OF YOUR TEAR FILM.

REFRESH OPTIVE MEGA-3® is formulated with a blend of natural oils designed to treat dry eye's signs and symptoms associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The natural oils work to nourish and repair the oil (lipid) layer while bringing essential hydration to all three layers of the tear film preventing tear evaporation. 

REFRESH OPTIVE® Advanced is an innovative, triple-action lubricant eye drop that is clinically proven to relieve dry, burning, irritated eyes due to Dry Eye. It works on all three layers of your tear film to lubricate, hydrate, and protect natural tears from evaporating.  


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